Assignment 2: Technical Report on IPv6 Network Technologies COM741

This technical report examines the impact of IPv6 on hardware and software, addressing the transition from IPv4 and the benefits of IPv6's 128-bit address space, including improved security and reduced reliance on NAT. The report details hardware compatibility, particularly with Cisco and Dell networking equipment, and highlights performance and licensing challenges. It provides a cost comparison of major market players like D-Link and Asus routers, evaluating their IPv6 readiness. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of network assessments and third-party audits for successful IPv6 implementation, and provides references for further reading. The report showcases the evolution of network technologies and provides valuable insights for network administrators and IT professionals navigating the transition to IPv6.

Assignment 2 – Technical report
Network Techniques and Technologies
COM741
Name
ID

Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................2
Impact of the introduction and use of IPv6 on hardware and software................................................2
Cost Comparison of Major Market Players............................................................................................6
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................................7
Reference....................................................................................................................................................8
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Introduction
For years IPv6 has been in the mind of network administrators with the exponential rise of IP-
enabled apps. The spectacular growth of PCs, phones, tablets and embedded systems has
overcome IPv4’s tiny, 32-bit space. Despite the decline in the number of IPv4 addresses, IPv6 is
more than ready with its 128-bit Address Space for the following step of application adoption
and network development. But what does IPv6 mean for the entire management of the network?
This can offer security and system maintenance benefits, as well as troubleshooting and network
modernization.
Impact of the introduction and use of IPv6 on hardware and software
One big advantage is that IPv6's 128-bit address set ensures that the number of valid IP addresses
rises from a few billion IPv4 to trillions with IPv6. The existing number has 36 trailing zeros,
making expansion almost future-proof. This at the same time opens up a room for the Internet of
Things – a global phenomenon, with tens of trillions of networked devices potentially involved –
to expands and reduce the need for complicated workarounds like Network Address Translation
(NAT), which lead to management, troubleshooting and safety problems[1].
The IPv6 use of IPv4 offers many significant technical advantages, including hierarchical
addressing, compulsory authentication and security of IPsec, and an improved transmission of
voice , video and data. Simplifications, including direct end-to - end IPsec connections, not
dependent on NAT are also beneficial for administrators. In particular, the hierarchical approach
is an interesting change, as in environments like production facilities new possibilities can still
be opened.
The global transition to IPv6 is inevitable. This was also a matter of building the infrastructure to
create minimal problems. IPv4 and IPv6 can share traffic, but problems vary in network design
and network traffic type.
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IPv6 will not replace IPv4 overnight due to this compatibility with networks. Alternatively, IPv6
is going to be a step over the years in most organisations. Network administrators need look for
applications, also including Intermapper, that allow them make a smooth transition. Intermapper
is an comprehensive network mapping method to support the transition to IPv6. It could be used
across the network to monitor thousands of devices with 64-bit support and supports key IPv6
features, including:
 IPv6-based DNS queries
 IPv6 client connections
 IPv6 ping, UDP-and TCP-based probes
 IPv6 address polling
IPv6 has been a trending concern in the networking industry for more than a year, and reform
continues to be a priority for businesses. There are two major problems:
 Performance – Certain hardware-based transmission lines in hardware don't support IPv6,
resulting in very low IPv6 performance.
 Licensing – some devices will require an IOS license upgrade to access the IPv6 features,
which can significantly increase device costs.
This was perceived as an benefit for suppliers of network equipment for businesses to expand
rapidly and easily, but it is not required. Companies can withstand pressures on OEMs to make
wholesale changes if they are not needed to make sound decisions on IPv6 changes. IPv6 was
able to supply the majority of network equipment for years. For instance, several current L3
network switches need no further IOS licensing in hardware Cisco support IPv6. However, the
computer cannot transmit IPv6 data hardware and lead to poor IPv6 performance. The following
is a list of devices which support IPv6 and IOS hardware licensing without additional resources.
 Device compatibility with IPv6
The switch function is performed every MAC address, so any model switch can switch to
packets with IPv6 hardware. The routing feature is used to play IPv6 support.
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Cisco
Cisco Catalyst 3750 and Catalyst 3560 switches
The IPv6 networking hardware can be used in all Catalyst 3560/3750 interfaces and all IOS
versions from IOS version 12.2(50) SE, including IPBASE, supports IPv6.
4500 Cisco Catalyst switches
Throughout the Cat4500 line, as with other Cisco-owned L3 transmission platforms and IPv6
functions, IPv6 is transmitted to both the WS-X45-Sup6-E and WS-X45-SUP6L-E supervisors.
Please notice, however, that older supervisors do not send IPv6 data hardware resulting in IPv6
failure[2].
4900 turns Cisco Catalyst
IPv6 devices are the Catalyst 4900 M and the Catalyst 4948E switches for 4900 series. All IPv6
switches support IOS images in all IOS images and no additional IOS license is needed. Older
switches like WS-C4948 and WS-C4948-10GE do not supply IPv6 hardware, however.
6500 switches Cisco Catalyst
IPv6 has been introduced by Cisco in all iOS models, including the IPBASA and IP framework,
beginning with IOS versions 12.2(33) SXI. The Catalyst 6500 is well suited to demanding IPv4
and IPv6 settings, particularly for applications with multiple transmission functions in Sup720-
3BXL or VS-S720-10G-3CxL. The still common Sup2 cannot support IPv6 on hardware, which
makes IPv6 in most cases totally unacceptable.
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Routers of the sequence Cisco 1900/2900/3900
IPv6 is now operated by IPBASE ISR G2 routers. There is no compatibility of hardware since it
is a small router, only IPv6 support can be provided by the features of the IOS models. Please
note that the current, but older, 1800/2800/3800 routers need IOS (SP Services) licenses.
Routers collection - Cisco 7200
The Series 7200 makes IPv6 on IPBASE simpler, beginning with 12.4 T IOS, when used in
NPE-400, NPE-G 1 and NPE-G2. As a small router, the 7200 is not a hardware communication
network. The only problem here is the IOS version. With older NPEs no advocacy should be
given with newer IOS versions such as NPE-225 or NPE-300[2].
Routers Series Cisco 7600
The CISCO7600 series is particularly high performance with high IPv6 (10Gbps+) output when
coupled with RSP720 (such as RSP720-3CXL-10GE), in particular.
Dell
Dell Networking
Dell networking L3 switching system enables IPv6 hardware transfer and does not require a
special permit with the exception of the S2410 (as L2 only) [2].
Dell PowerConnect range
Because IPv6 is not wide than the Dell networking set, it cannot be assured. The range was not
upgraded to IPv6 because earlier versions are primarily used in a 2- to 3-year LAN environment.
IPv6 supports the development of new models, however.
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Cost Comparison of Major Market Players
D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 DIR-645
The D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 DIR-645 is a high-performance and long-range
budget single-band router. It is one of the first D-Link routers to support IPv6 from inside the
box, as D-Link was one of the networking companies that took part in the IPv6 Readiness
Initiative that began about a year ago with World IPv6 Day. The DIR-645 provides parental
control of Gigabit Ethernet, SharePort Plus and OpenDNS and IPv6 connectivity. It is also small
and inexpensive and costs just about $80[3].
D-Link Amplifi HD Media Router 2000 DIR-827
It has a true USB 3.0 300Mbps dual-band and also a customized QoS-based feature called HD
Fuel that takes gaming, VoIP and HD bandwidth into account. The DIR-827 is stronger than the
DIR-645. This is the second D-Link router that supports IPv6 from the packet directly.
Asus RT-N56U
This is another true double-band router, offering both bands the traditional 300Mbps speed. It is
the only router on the list that did not support IPv6 when it was originally launched but quickly
expanded it through a firmware update. In reality, this smart and supercompact router offers very
fast real-world speeds, even faster than other 450Mbps standard routers. The router offers built-
in network storage support when linked to an external hard drive.
Asus RT-N66U Dark Knight Double 450Mbps N Router
That's another true double band router that provides the standard 300Mbps bandwidth for both
bands. This is the only router in the list that did not support IPv6 when it was originally
launched, but extended it immediately with a firmware update. In fact, this clever and
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supercompact router offers fast real-world speeds even quicker than other regular 450Mbps
routers. The router allows built-in network storage when connected to an external hard disk.
The RT-N66U is the only router in this list with up to 6 networks in all bands. For small
businesses that are ready for IPv6 [3], it is a good option and not just for homes.
Buffalo AirStation AC1300 / N900 Gigabit Dual Band Wireless Router WZR-D1800H
You may designate the WZR-D1800H as a brand new wireless router. The new 802.11ac is the
first on the market to deliver a speed of up to 1.3 Gbps. It supports 802.11n / g/ or b, standard
Wi-Fi for Wi-Fi users. The cutting edge of IPv6 is supported [3].
This router offers a true Dual-Band Wireless-N, except for 5 g WI-FI with a maximum
bandwidth of 450 Mbps. There are no 802.11ac clients at home, likely because at the time of this
review only one user is available on the market, the reliability of the wireless-N router remains
high. It's an exciting router not just for IPv6 but also for the new and improved.
Conclusion
Organizations should also perform an independent third-party network assessment to determine
what technology is not appropriate to upgrade, upgrade and dispose of. An overview of the
company's long-term planning and budgetary parameters, networkability and supporting
equipment strategies is needed for the assessment. A reliable, non-supplier, third-party network
audit would help establish a plan to identify issues and address existing operations and provide
input on future interventions. This audit will also determine the duration of the upgrade for 3
months , 6 months, or one year, so time constraints can be avoided. If companies need to move to
IPv6 and some devices need not be updated, it should be noted that some companies have to
retain the actual devices but do not need IPv6, which only requires IPv4. Not only can businesses
make money by selling products to an individual reseller, but other businesses can also substitute
the older parts that companies such as Cisco no longer supply.
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Reference
[1]"Guide: Compatibility Requirements for IPv6 Upgrades | Curvature", Curvature, 2017.
[Online]. Available: https://www.curvature.com/resources/tech-guides/guide-compatibility-
requirements-for-ipv6-upgrades/. [Accessed: 26- Jun- 2020].
[2]M. Boyle, "Routers compared and explained 2020 | Finder UK", Finder UK, 2020. [Online].
Available: https://www.finder.com/uk/broadband-plans/router-comparison. [Accessed: 26- Jun-
2020].
[3]D. Ngo, "Top 5 IPv6-ready wireless routers", CNET, 2012. [Online]. Available:
https://www.cnet.com/news/top-5-ipv6-ready-wireless-routers/. [Accessed: 26- Jun- 2020].
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